Noah's Ark Pre-School in Gosport was awarded the Level 1 certificatelast week and commended by UNICEF for its ability to listen to whatchildren have to say, and for the appropriate systems and rules whichhave been put into place and are understood by the children.
Sarah Broadbent, who carried out Noah's Ark Pre-school's accreditationfor UNICEF, said, 'There was an atmosphere of calm and industry. Thechildren are kind to each other and are also at the early stages ofbeing able to resolve their own minor conflicts without always involvingan adult.'
The award uses the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Childas the basis for enhancing a setting's ethos.
Carol Barnes, supervisor at Noah's Ark, said, 'Implementing the UnitedNations Convention on the Rights of the Child in this way has made thechildren aware of rights. They been more thoughtful and accepting ofeach other and they have gained an understanding of life beyond theirown, and an awareness of different ways of life.
'Parents are positive about what we are doing and it has empowered staffwith knowing why they do what they do. We all believe that it is theright way forward and that children need to grow up with thisknowledge.'
The UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Early Years Award, developed from asimilar award for schools, recognises early years settings that show ahigh commitment to promoting children's rights and encouraging childrento respect the rights of others.
The award has been piloted in five local authorities across the country.It is compatible with all aspects of early years practice, including theEYFS and Every Child Matters.
Level 1 of the UNICEF Rights Respecting Early Years Award is currentlybeing piloted.
Further information: To take part visit in the award pilot visitwww.unicef.org.uk